Skype Calling On Businesses

By David A. Utter
Staff Writer
Article Date: 2006-03-10

Growing their active user base means attracting the business community, and Skype has taken a step in that direction with a new website and by Salesforce.com integrating Skype into their CRM product.

Another development from the debut of Salesforce's AppExchange Developer Network provides Salesforce users with the opportunity to use Skype software and calling services. Skype noted how features like the caller's information from Salesforce appears on-screen when one answers a call.

Skype's motivation to make a greater push for business customers probably comes from terms of their acquisition by eBay last September. Skype needs to hit certain financial targets to earn greater bonuses on top of the $2.6 billion they made in cash and stock from eBay. Certain Skype shareholders stand to earn an additional $1.5 billion should they hit those three undisclosed financial milestones by 2008; if they do it by 2009, the bonus drops to $1.1 billion instead.

Skype claimed some 30 percent of its user base uses Skype for work purposes. They offer features like presence and conference calling, the latter supporting up to ten callers on Intel-based dual-core systems.

Skype In provides the most direct way for Skype to monetize its service. The subscription-based service provides a regular phone number that others can dial to contact the Skype user. Business users who want to get the most out of Skype would have to buy a Skype In number.

The company recently debuted its Skype for Business site, which is believed to be the start of a heavier push for those business users. Skype could offer hardware like headsets as well as its calling services from the site, too.

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Tag: Skype |

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About the Author:
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.